WMFR assists boater during 8th annual "Fishing the Islands Tournament"
West Manatee Fire Chief Andy Price and volunteer firefighters Juan DeJesus and Nate Bergbom volunteered to provide marine coverage for the annual fishing event with the district’s new fire boat "Marine 7". Saturday morning at 11:45 they were notified of a "MAYDAY" by a 25’ vessel 12 miles out in the Gulf. The boat was reported to be due west of Longboat Pass and was taking on water and had lost an engine. The USCG and West Manatee’s Marine 7 responded to search for the sinking vessel. Marine 7 responded from Bean Point and located the vessel 6 to 8 miles offshore. All five passengers were wearing PFD’s and the boat’s cabin was full of seawater. The vessel was slow making it’s way toward shore under it’s own power. Chief Price and crew escorted the vessel toward Longboat Pass until the USCG met with them approximately 1 mile offshore. The Coast Guard then continued the escort to the Coquina Beach boat ramp, where they de-watered the vessel enough to trailer it. Thanks to West Manatee and the USCG, the vessel and all 5 occupants were safe.
For more information contact:
Captain Ernie Cave
West Manatee Fire Rescue
Ph. 741-3995
